It is costs – not technique that convinced Wellington North to proceed with construction of a bridge on Sideroad 8 West.
A few months ago, council received a detailed presentation from Newton Bridge Solutions, which asked to be included in the tender process for the work.
The Guelph company uses fibreglass decking instead of traditional materials in bridge construction and replacement.
At the time, council agreed to consider the company’s proposal.
However, when the bids came in, Newton’s bid of $561,029 was over $100,000 above that of Reeves Construction’s bid of $450,854.
The highest bid on the project was Maackon Corporation, of Guelph, at $649,426.
A report by Trevor Hoard, of K. Smart Associates, stated “Reeves Construction Limited (Mount Forest) is a well-known contractor which has successfully completed several bridge projects for us in the past, many of which have been in the Township of Wellington North.”
Works Superintendent Gary Williamson noted construction would not start until after June 30.
Earlier this month, Wellington North was approved for Ministry of Transportation funds for municipal road and bridge capital investment funding of $733,945, Those funds are to be transferred to the township by June 30.
